News

Dullstroom farm attack trial postponed

In what came as a shock to the family and friends, the trial against three men accused of murdering Sue Howarth during a farm attack in February 2017, had to be postponed.

July 30, 2018

Jana Boshoff 1 minute read

Nkhosinathi Yika, Lucas Makua and William Yika during their first court appearance.

During what was to be the first day in a week-long trial at the Breyten High Court, Nkosinathi and William Yika as well as Lucas Makua indicated that they are not happy with their appointed Legal Aid advocate.

Also read: (Update): ‘Don’t be afraid my darling…’ – The horror of a farm attack

They requested someone that can speak to them in their mother-tongue.

This prompted the case to be postponed. The court ruled for the three men to be in court again next Monday, to establish if a new advocate could be located and brought up to speed with the particulars of the case.

Also read: Update: Dullstroom farm attack victim dies, R20 000 reward for info

The three men face charges of house breaking with the intent to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances, the possession of an illegal firearm, the illegal possession of ammunition, the discharging of a firearm in a public place, murder and theft.

The charges relate to a farm attack in Dullstroom wherein Sue Howarth was killed and her husband Robert was injured. The couple was dropped next to the Belfast/Stoffberg road and left for dead.